Edina, MN - Carolyn I. Schroeder, a lifelong advocate for children's causes, died peacefully at her home in Edina, Minnesota, on July 25th, 2025, with family by her side.

A memorial service and luncheon to follow will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 4100 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, Minnesota at 11am Friday, August 8, 2025. The service will be live streamed at the following link :https://youtube.com/live/qkv_steGT0A?feature=share. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to The University of Minnesota Foundation, Clint and Carolyn Schroeder Scholarship Fund, Fund # 8477, 200 Oak Street SE, Suite 500, Minneapolis, MN 55455 or Bethlehem Lutheran Church Foundation, 4100 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55409.

Born in 1932 to Peter and Dorothy Iverson in Fargo, North Dakota, Carolyn was the second of three children. She graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1949. Carolyn received her Bachelor's Degree in nursing education from the University of Minnesota in 1955 after receiving a three-year nursing diploma from Northwestern Hospital School of Nursing. Carolyn met her husband Clint while at the University of Minnesota and they married in 1953.

After leaving her nursing career to focus on her growing family, Carolyn began what would become decades of service to others (especially children) when she joined the Board of Directors of Minneapolis Children's Medical Center (MCMC) in 1963 and where she remained active until 1987, including serving as Chair of the Board 1984-1985. Carolyn is considered one of the founders of the first children's hospital in Minneapolis focused on providing the highest quality care, including specialities such as cardiology which she was particularly familiar with from her days as an RN at the UofM. After leaving the MCMC Board, Carolyn shifted her attention to the Minneapolis Children's Foundation, when she joined their Board of Directors (1988-1994), serving as Chair in 1992-1993.

Carolyn was a member and former treasurer of the University of Minnesota School of Nursing Foundation. In 1996 Carolyn was approached to lead an initiative at the University of Minnesota, the Katherine J. Densford International School of Nursing Campaign, and she served as Chair of the campaign until 2002. Carolyn was granted the Outstanding Achievement Award from the University of Minnesota in June, 2001 - the highest award that the University of Minnesota presents to its alumni.

Continuing her drive to serve others, Carolyn became a Board Member for the Edina Community Foundation in 2002, serving as President 2010-2013. Carolyn also was active for many years at Bethlehem Lutheran Church and was a past President of the Congregation and former Chair of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Foundation. In 2004 Carolyn joined the Edina Federated Women's Club where she remained active until her death, serving as President in 2011-2012. As with previous organizations, Carolyn was drawn to their mission to enhance the lives of others especially children through charitable grants and volunteer service. Carolyn would often say that a life-long priority was helping to advocate for children's causes.

Carolyn was also a dedicated mother, wife and a dear friend to many. She lived her life to serve others, to spread kindness and walk humbly with her God. As a very present mom, Carolyn actively supported her five children's varied activities (music, debate, gymnastics, art, basketball, band) as she encouraged them each to find what feeds their soul. Carolyn enjoyed reading, gardening and visiting with her children and grandchildren.

Carolyn is survived by her children: Alan Schroeder (Susan), Barbara Hartsfield (Andy), Lisa Kennedy (Tim), Kathryn Schroeder (Umut Avsar), and son-in-law Steve Gluck (Tracee); grandchildren: Jaxon Gluck, Rochelle Gluck, Clinton Schroeder III, Gordon Schroeder (Maggie), Jake Hartsfield (Kristen), Tyler Hartsfield (Lauren), Carolyn MacLean (Kevin) and Kailie Kennedy; and great-grandchildren: Josie Hartsfield, Tate Hartsfield, Philippa, Eliana and Iver MacLean; and sister-in-law Shirley Iverson; and many nieces and nephews. Carolyn is preceded in death by her husband Clint, her daughter, Joan Schroeder Gluck, her parents Peter and Dorothy Iverson, and her siblings Ione Lundeen and Don Iverson.